K - GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
KA* Goals and Objectives
KB* Public Information Program
KBCCB Televising School Committee Meetings
KBE Dissemination of Information through Schools
KBF Use of Students to Inform the Public about School Programs KC School Committee-Community Relations
KCA Placing Items on School Committee Agenda (BCBI)
KCAA Public Participation Regularly Scheduled Meeting
KCBE Parent Organization Liaison to School Committee
KCD Senior Citizens
KD* Staff-Community Relations
KDA Staff Participation in Community Activities (Also GAHA)
KDD Recognition of Public
KE* Student-Community Relations
KF* Community Instructional Resources
KFB Field Trips and Excursions (Also IFCB)
KG Use of School Facilities
KGA Buildings and Grounds
KGA-R Use of Buildings and Grounds - Fees and Regulations
KGB Equipment (Cf. EBC)
KGD Smoking (Also GBRM, JCDAA)
KH Public Gifts
KHF North Reading Education Foundation
KI* Free Materials Distribution in Schools
KJ Advertising in Schools
SN Includes advertising in school publications on school property, and sponsored advertising of school events.
KK* Public Sales on School Property KL Public Use of School Records
KM Visitors to the Schools
KN Complaints
KNBA Instructional Materials
KBCCB GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
TELEVISING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The North Reading School Committee endorses the practice of televising its meetingson the public access channel of the cable television franchise. Meetings shall be transmitted by means of a live signal and shown unedited in their entirety.
Persons operating the television cameras and related equipment must be registered with the town’s Cable Television Advisory Committee and certified by the cable television franchise holder.
First Reading February 22, 1988 Approved March 7, 1988 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KBE GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION THROUGH SCHOOLS
It is the policy of the North Reading School Committee to prohibit the dissemination of information regarding non-school related organizations and events through the schools. Exceptions will be made only if the expressed consent of the Committeeis obtained in advance.
First Reading May 20, 1975 Approved June 23, 1975 Reviewed April, 1983 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KBF GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
USE OF STUDENTS TO INFORM THE PUBLIC ABOUT SCHOOL PROGRAMS
The North Reading School Committee believes that the participation of students in interpreting the educational program of the schools to the community shall be encouraged, with the understanding that
1. Students shall not be exploited for the benefit of any individual or group 2. Students shall participate only in appropriate situations
3. The use of students shall always be evaluated in terms of the effect on the child 4. Students shall not solicit or promote school district issues without approval of the
Superintendent’s office
5. The best possible community relations grow from a superior teaching job in the classroom. Enthusiastic students with serious intentions, well directed by sympathetic and capable teachers, are certain to communicate with the parents and the community. The North Reading School Committee believes this is the cornerstone of good community relations.
First Reading January 3, 1984 Approved January 9, 1984
Revised, First Reading June 11, 2012 Approved June 25, 2012
KC GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
SCHOOL COMMITTEE – COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Public education today must have the complete understanding of the community it serves. Every possible means of attaining this understanding must be developed.
The School Committee and/or the Superintendent of Schools shall, as the need arises, call public meetings for the purpose of discussing problems pertinent to the school program. Special effort shall be exerted in such meetings to solicitattendance from a cross-section of the community.
First Reading January 3, 1984 Approved January 9, 1984 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KCA GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED BY PUBLIC IN PLACING ITEMS ON SCHOOL COMMITTEE AGENDA
All meetings of the Committee shall be open to the public except when the Committee votes to go into executive session. Citizens wishing to present problems, raise questions or make suggestions concerning the schools may have the subject placed on the next agenda of the School Committee provided it is received five (5) days previous to the date of the meeting. If the situation is critical or urgent, the Committee may at its discretion waive the required advanced notice. Rules of decorum applying to Town Meeting shall apply to School Committee meetings. Citizens must be recognized by the Chairman before speaking. Discussion will be limited to the subject under consideration and the length of time may be limited by the demands of the agenda.
First Reading January 6, 1975 Second Reading January 20, 1975 Reviewed March, 1983
KCAA GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT FIRST REGULARLY SCHEDULED SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING OFTHE MONTH
The School Committee shall invite and give limited time to the public to voice their opinion or problems at its first regularly scheduled meeting of the month.
The School Committee recognizing its responsibility to conduct its meetings in an orderly and
efficient manner, will therefore require the Chairman to recognize the person wishing to speak and allow that person three (3) minutes for a presentation.
The School Committee will not debate nor act on any presentation given that night. It will take every presentation into consideration and announce a final decision.
Rules of decorum applying to Town Meeting shall apply to School Committee meetings.
First Reading May 2, 1988 Approved May 16, 1988 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KCBE GNERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
PARENT ORGANIZATION LIAISON TO SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The School Committee encourages parent organizations in all schools to select one or more members to function as liaison to the School Committee for the purpose of maintaining good communication. The names of those selected shall be communicated to the School Committee in writing.
Parent organizations may request that an item be placed on a School Committee agenda by notifying the Superintendent of Schools or Chairman of the School Committee five days prior to the next scheduled meeting (see Policy BCBI).
TheCommittee will carefully consider all information relating to specific issues received from parent organizations, but will exercise its best judgment in arriving at decisions.
First Reading September 27, 1989 Approved October 23, 1989 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KCD GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
SENIOR CITIZENS
Senior citizens of North Reading --- persons sixty-five years of age or older---may be given a senior citizen guest pass, which shall permit them to attend all athletic events, free of charge. Student organizations are encouraged to open their dress rehearsals to senior citizens. These guest passes shall represent a small token of appreciation from the Committee for all that the senior citizens have done for the schools over the years.
First Reading January 3, 1984 Approved January 9, 1984 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KDA GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
The NorthReading School Committee encourages the participation of its employees in community activities in the belief that such participation develops a heightened sense of civic awareness and personal responsibility.
First Reading November 20, 1972 Approved November 27, 1972 Reviewed March 5, 1979 Reviewed April, 1983 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KDD GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
RECOGNITION OF COMMUNITY/PARENT ACCOMPLISHMENT AND SERVICE
The School Committee believes that it is important to recognize the outstanding accomplishments, work, and service made by individual parents, citizens, and community groups and organizations which contribute to the improvement and quality of education and the schools. In recognition of accomplishment and service the following award may be made to parents, citizens, and community groups and organizations.
School Committee Award of Appreciation: The Committee recognizes and appreciates the outstanding contributions made by individual citizens and community groups and organizations which enhance the overall quality of education or programs for children in the North Reading Public Schools and/or the community. Nominations for the Award of Appreciation may be made by parents, staff members, and students. Nominations will be submitted to the Committee by March 1 of each year. Nomination forms may be obtained from the Superintendent’s Office. Presentation of the Award of Appreciation will be made annually at a regular meeting of the School Committee.
First Reading April 29, 1985 Approved May 20, 1985 First Reading April 28, 1997 Approved May 12, 1997 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KFB (Also IFCB) (Cf. JHFB) GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
FIELD TRIPS
The North Reading School Committee believes that field trips that add enrichment to the curriculum are to be encouraged. Field trips that do not exceed one hundred twenty-five (125) miles from the school maybe authorized by the Superintendent of Schools or his designee.
Overnight trips or those that exceed one hundred twenty-five (125) miles (one way) must be approved by the School Committee.
Regulations governing field trips will be drafted by the Superintendent.
First Reading November 8, 1983 Approved November 15, 1983 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KG GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
The North Reading School Committee encourages the use of school facilities by North Reading community groups. The Committee will establish user fees to cover additional costs of labor, heat, light, etc.
Some restrictions are necessary to protect the schools and school equipment which in reality belong to all the people of the community. Therefore, the Committee will approve detailed regulations pertaining to public use of school facilities. Groups requesting the use of school building facilities must file an application with the school Business Office for approval. Full responsibility rests with the group using school facilities to maintain adequate security and to leave the facilities in the same condition as they were before usage.
Motorized Vehicles and Horses on School Property
The use of go-carts, minibikes, and similar vehicles is prohibited on all school property. This is a precautionary measure for the protection of children playing on the school grounds and for the protection of school property.
Horses will not be permitted on playfields since they create ruts in the ground and can cause injuries to pupils using play areas.
First Reading January 3, 1984 Approved January 9, 1984 Revised August 27, 2001 Approved September 10, 2001 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KGA GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
USE OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
The School Committee encourages the use of school buildings and grounds by community groups and directs the Superintendent of Schools or his designee to establish detailed regulations pertaining to such use including fee schedules.
Some restrictions will be necessary to protect school property which, in reality, belongs to all people of the community.
First Reading September 27, 1989 Approved October 23, 1989 Reviewed August 27, 2001 Approved September 10, 2001 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KGA-R (Page 1 of 2) GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
USE OF BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS – FEES AND REGULATIONS
Group #1 School Sponsored Activities No Fee Group #2 School Related Activities No Fee
Group #3 Youth Organizations See Schedule Below
Group #4 Town Activities No Fee
Group #5 Unrelated Activities See Schedule Below SCHEDULE OF INDOOR FACILITY USE FEES:
$ 30 High School gym (4 hours) $ 200 High School auditorium (4 hours) $ 20 Other gyms (4 hours) $ 100 High School light board
$ 25 Classrooms/Libraries (4 hours) $ 100 High School auditorium audio $ 30 Cafeterias/LGR (4 hours) $ 25 Locker Rooms
$ 40/hour – Custodians, when applicable (3 hour minimum. $53/hour on holidays)
Use of the high school auditorium shall be $200. Additional equipment user fees may be assessed, i.e., use of the High School light board. Building fees payable at time of application. Any custodial fees will be billed separately.
REGULATIONS
1. Groups wishing to use a school facility or field must file an application at the Superintendent’s Office. Please note that school sponsored activities preempt all other activities.
2. Custodians must be on duty when inside space is used. If an activity requires custodial services, the sponsoring group must pay for custodial services at the prevailing rate, with a three-hour minimum. 3. Each group is responsible for litter and/or damage to school department property.
4. The adult named on the application is responsible for the adequate supervision, conduct and activities of the group.
5. The adult designated as responsible for the activity is asked to closely observe the hours assigned to their activity. Please do not use the space prior to your time. In addition, please begin to wind down your activities in sufficient time to vacate the space at your appointed time. Other users will appreciate observance of this regulation.
6. The School Department may enter into long-term agreements with separate rental schedules if it is determined to be in the best interest of the School Department to do so.
7. There must be one Police Officer and one Firefighter present, in uniform, if 200 or more persons are to be present. You should make your own arrangements with the Police and Fire Departments.
KGA-R (Page 2 of 2) USE OF BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS FEES AND REGULATIONS
8. No food or drink in Auditoriums or Gyms.
9. If you wish to cancel your activity you must do so at least three working days prior to the reserved time. Any fee paid is not refundable. Advance notice of cancellation will allow for other interested parties to use the space and allow for better building coverage.
10. Applicants will use their own recreation equipment. Policy prevents use of School equipment.
11. Please contact the Food Service Director (978-664- 7800, ext. 262) if you would like to request use of the cafeteria kitchen facilities. Policy requires presence of cafeteria personnel if ovens are used.
12. The Administration retains the right to assign a custodian to particular groups depending on activity and group size.
Please note that unless you are specifically hiring a custodian for specialized or “off duty” events, they remain responsible of their ongoing duties. While they are available for infrequent assistance, custodians are expected to fulfill their ongoing maintenance tasks and may be unable to provide incidental assistance to school users.
SCHOOL SPONSORED ACTIVITIES include those events whose participants are members of the student body under the supervision of an employee of the School Department. Examples include Masquers, Senior Class Talent Show, Class Fund Raising, Music Department Concerts, Student Dances, and Athletic Team Fund Raising.
SCHOOL RELATED ACTIVITIES are for the benefit of the student body of each or all student group(s) or school(s). Examples include PTO, Booster Groups, Citizens Scholarship Foundation, Rotary Barbecue, All Night Party, Adult Education, and Baccalaureate.
YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS are those groups serving North Reading youth. Examples include scouts, youth basketball, hockey, soccer, football, CCD, 4-H, and Little League.
TOWN ACTIVITIES are those events related to Town Departments or under the general direction of the Town. Examples include Town Meetings, elections, public hearings, Civil Service Exams, Recreation Committee activities, Historical Society, Bookworms and Fire Department CPR Training.
UNRELATED ACTIVITIES are those events conducted for the purpose of earning income, directing
business activities, or charging an admission fee by an organization not related to the categories listed above. Examples include dance studio recitals, sports camps, and theatre groups.
September 10, 2001
Revised, First Reading June 11, 2012 Approved, June 25, 2012
KGB (Cf. EBC) GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
USE OF SCHOOL EQUIPMENT
Equipment owned by the School Department may be used for all school sponsored activities (see KGA Reg.) with appropriate permission and supervision.
In general, all non-school related organizations shall be required to furnish their own equipment when renting school buildings or grounds. In limited cases, School Department equipment may be available to outside groups with appropriate prior permission and supervision. In such cases an equipment user fee may be assessed.
First Reading June 20, 1983 Approved July 21, 1983 Revised September 10, 2001 Approved September 24, 2001 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KGD (Also GBRM, JCDAA) GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
SMOKING
In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 37H, the use of tobacco products is prohibited within school buildings and facilities, on school grounds, school buses, or related functions.
Employees and students violating this policy will be subject to proper disciplinary action. All other individuals violating this policy will be instructed to leave the school premises and return after dispensing of materials off the grounds.
First Reading January 9, 1989 Approved January 23, 1989
Revised, First Reading September 12, 1994 Approved September 27, 1994
Reviewed September, 1995 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KH GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
GIFTS TO THE SCHOOLS
The School Committee is receptive to outside financial support to aid in the coordination, implementation and/or maintenance of new programs consistent with the following principles
1. Outside funds will not dictate the direction of new programs or in any way influence their evaluation
2. All funds received from outside sources will be under the control of the Superintendent and his administrative staff
3. The School Committee may refuse any outside funding that is inconsistent with its stated or implied goals
4. Outside funds will not be used as a substitute for regular funds, but rather as a supplement to them
5. Specific items may be contributed to the system subject to the prior review by the
Superintendent regarding their propriety and applicability. After review, the Superintendent will forward his recommendation to the Committee for final disposition
6. Periodic reports of activities resulting from gifts will be given to the Committee by the Superintendent and his staff
7. All gifts will become property of the school department and will be made available to the whole system.
First Reading June 20, 1983 Approved July 21, 1983 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KHF GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
NORTH READING EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The School Committee recognizes the value of enhancing educational programs and opportunities for students. As such, the Committee supports the organization of an Education Foundation in order to enhance educational excellence in the North Reading Public Schools and to develop a conduit through which private donations, grants, contributions from philanthropic and fund-raising activities and rebates can be made. The North Reading Education Foundation shall be established as an independent, non-profit organization and will operate independently of the North Reading Public Schools and the North Reading School Committee. It will maintain an independent Board of Directors that will establish the charter, bylaws and strategic course for the Foundation. It is expected that the Foundation will accept contributions from individuals, corporations and organizations, and financial support from grants and fund-raising.
Contributions made to the Education Foundation will be used to supplement the programs and educational goals of the North Reading Public Schools and will not supplant the annual budgetary process.
First Reading June 12, 2006 Approved June 26, 2006
Revised, First Reading June 11, 2012 Tabled pending further review
KJ GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
ADVERTISING IN THE SCHOOLS
Advertising by individuals or groups unrelated to the schools is prohibited either in school buildings or on school grounds.
Exceptions may be made only for non-profit organizations (such as Rotary Club, Arts Workshop for Children, or local art groups) that wish to advertise a specific event having educational value.
In the advertising, some restrictions are necessary to protect children, the schools, and school grounds and equipment. Therefore, the School Committee will approve detailed regulations governing the location and design of advertisements. All advertising costs shall be assumed by the advertiser.
First Reading November 30, 1987 Approved December 7, 1987 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KL GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
PUBLIC ACCESS TO SCHOOL RECORDS
The public shall have access to full and complete information regarding the affairs of the North Reading Public Schools unless otherwise provided by law. Student records may not be disclosed without the consent of the student or his/her representative.
Any person who wishes copies of documents legally available to the public shall be charged by the page at current rates determined by the Superintendent or his designee.
Persons denied access to any document shall have the right to appeal to the Superintendent of Schools. If not satisfied with the decision rendered by the Superintendent, he or she shall have the right to appeal the decision to the School Committee.
Legal Reference: M.G.L., Chapter 4, Section 7 M.G.L., Chapter 66, Section 10
First Reading January 3, 1984 Approved January 9, 1984 First Reading February 10, 1997 Approved February 24, 1997 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KM GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOLS
Any person not affiliated with the North Reading Public Schools as (1) an employee or (2) a properly enrolled student who wishes to enter a school building must first report to the school office and receive permission from the school principal or his Designee. The principal may order from school property any person who fails to follow this procedure.
Approved June 18, 1973 Reviewed April, 1983 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KN GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
PUBLIC COMPLAINTS
The School Committee recognizes the right of individuals and groups to present complaints concerning school personnel, the curriculum, or instructional materials, or concerning school services and school facilities.
In the interest of handling all complaints fairly and expeditiously, the Committee has established the following guidelines:
1. Whenever a complaint is made directly to the Committee as a whole or to an individual Committee member, the individual or group involved will be advised to take their concern to the appropriate school staff member. This could be a teacher, a supervisor, a principal, a central office administrator, or the Superintendent.
2. The individual or group will be advised of the proper channeling of complaints, which is as follows: a. Supervisor or teacher
b. Building administrator c. Superintendent d. School Committee
3. If a Committee member receives a complaint, and has reason to believe that the person or persons involved will not go to the source of the problem, he should inform the Superintendent of the
situation. In no case should the Committee member go to the source of the problem himself unless so directed by a quorum of the Committee in legal session.
4. An individual or group who wishes to address the Committee must notify the Superintendent in writing at least five days before the Committee is scheduled to meet. The letter must include the item to be discussed.
5. Individual Committee members who receive questions or suggestions from community residents should:
a. Answer the question if they definitely know the answer.
b. Advise the Superintendent of the conversation if the Committee member believes the question has policy implications.
c. Advise the person or persons involved to take their question or suggestion to the appropriate staff member if the answer is not definitely known.
d. Call the Superintendent for the answer if the Committee member believes the question or suggestion has merit but the person or persons involved are reluctant to go to the source.
The Committee encourages parents and other citizens to express their concerns, to ask questions, and to take an active interest in the schools' educational program and school environment by attending Committee meetings, visiting the schools, and meeting with teachers.
First Reading January 3, 1984 Approved January 9, 1984 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KNBA GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
COMPLAINTS ABOUT INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
The North Reading School Committee recognizes the student's right of access to many different types of books and the right of teachers and administrators to recommend books for use in the schools. It is therefore the policy of the North Reading School Committee to require the materials selected for use be in accord with the following:
1. Books and other reading matter shall be chosen for values of interest and enlightenment of all students in the community. A book shall not be excluded because of the race, nationality, political, or religious views of the writer or of its style and language.
2. Every effort will be made to provide materials that present all points of view concerning the problems and issues of our times. Books or other reading matter of sound factual authority shall not be prescribed or removed from library shelves or classrooms for partisan or doctrinal reasons.
3. Censorship of books shall be challenged in order to maintain the school's responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
In accordance with No. 3 above, the Committee has adopted the following policy when dealing with censorship of books or other materials:
1. That the final decision for controversial reading matter shall rest with the Committee after careful examination and discussion of the book or reading matter with school officials or anyone else the Committee may wish to involve,
2. The Committee does, however, recognize the right of an individual parent to request that his child not have to read a given book, provided a written request is made to the appropriate building principal. 3. That no parent or group of parents has the right to determine the reading matter for students other than
their own children
4. Any parent who wishes to request reconsideration of the use of any instructional material must make such a request in writing on forms provided, first through the principal of the school where the
material is being used and subsequently, if necessary, through the Superintendent of Schools to the School Committee.
5. The Superintendent of Schools shall be notified as soon as a complaint is registered and shall report all complaints to the School Committee.
First Reading October 25, 1983 Approved November 8, 1983 Reviewed June 11, 2012
KNBB GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
PROCEDURE FOR REGISTERING COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CURRICULUM OR INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Book________________________ Other Material (Specify)__________________________________ Author__________________________________ Hardcover ___________Paperback ______________ Title _______________________________________________________________________________ Publisher (If known)___________________________________________________________________ Request initiated by____________________________________________________________________ Telephone_______________________Address______________________________________________ Complainant represents: _____Himself
_____(Name Organization) _____(Identify other group)
1. To what in the book do you object? (Please be specific; cite pages) 2. What do you feel might be the result of reading this book?
3. For what age group would you recommend this book? 4. Is there anything good about this book?
5. Did you read the entire book? What parts?
6. Are you aware of the judgment of this book by literary critics? 7. What do you believe is the theme of this book?
8. What would you like the library to do about this book? Do not assign it to students
Withdraw it from all patrons of the library Refer it to an official committee for re-evaluation
9. In its place what book of equal literary quality would you recommend that would convey as valuable a picture and perspective of our civilization?
Date _____________________ Signature of Complainant _______________________________ First Reading October 25, 1983
